Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about adventure games of the 2020s, part 2.
What is 'Adventure Games of the 2020s, Part 2'?
It is the second installment of a community-maintained fan encyclopedia that catalogs, profiles, and contextualizes adventure games released during the 2020s decade. Part 2 extends the first volume's coverage into later years and broadens the genre definitions used throughout.
What counts as an 'adventure game' in this encyclopedia's scope?
The scope spans narrative-driven experiences, point-and-click puzzle titles, action-adventures, and interactive-storytelling games. Hybrid titles that blend adventure mechanics with RPG, survival, or roguelike elements are included when exploration and narrative remain central pillars.
Where should a complete newcomer begin?
Players drawn to story-first experiences often start with Spiritfarer or A Short Hike for their gentle pacing and emotional focus. Those who prefer layered puzzles and mystery may gravitate toward Return of the Obra Dinn or Outer Wilds.
Which studios are most associated with the 2020s adventure scene?
Team Cherry, Don't Nod, and Klei Entertainment are frequently cited for their narrative-driven work, while Larian Studios and FromSoftware pushed the action-adventure boundary with Baldur's Gate 3 and Elden Ring respectively.
What platforms do the covered games appear on?
The majority of titles are available on PC and at least one major console family spanning PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo. Several indie adventure titles also shipped on mobile and handheld devices, and cloud-streaming options expanded accessibility throughout the decade.
How do 2020s adventure games differ from the 1990s or 2000s era?
Modern entries lean heavily on hybrid mechanics—blending exploration with combat, crafting, or RPG systems—rather than relying solely on inventory puzzles. There is also a stronger emphasis on diverse storytelling voices, accessible design, and meaningful player agency in narrative branching.
What are the most critically acclaimed adventure titles of the decade?
Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received near-universal praise for their depth and design. Among smaller-scale works, Disco Elysium and Outer Wilds are consistently highlighted for their writing and world-building.
What subgenres does the encyclopedia use to organize the decade?
Categories include narrative adventure, puzzle adventure, action-adventure, exploration-focused, and hybrid adventure-RPG. A smaller 'walking simulator' or 'interactive fiction' bucket captures games whose primary loop is reading and choice-making.
What are some notable community or fan moments from the 2020s adventure scene?
The 2023 launch of Baldur's Gate 3 sparked massive speedrunning and modding communities within weeks. Outer Wilds generated a long-running fan-theory culture around its time-loop mystery, and Spiritfarer's soundtrack became a widely shared emotional touchstone across the genre.
How does Part 2 differ in scope from Part 1?
Part 1 focused primarily on 2020–2022 releases and established the encyclopedia's formatting and genre taxonomy. Part 2 extends coverage into 2023–2025, adds deeper profiles on hybrid subgenres, and includes a dedicated section on upcoming and announced titles.